Pingyao's ancient city wall remains in splendid condition six centuries after they were constructed. (Photo: CRIENGLISH.COM/William Wang)
The view of Pingyao's South Street from above. (Photo: CRIENGLISH.COM/William Wang)
Pingyao in Shanxi Province, was China's financial capital back in the Qing Dynasty. But when modern banks stormed the scene, Pingyao fell out of favor and got left in the proverbial coal dust. Virtually forgotten by the masses for about a century, the ancient walled city is one of China's best preserved.
Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture are in view at every turn, the entire ancient city enclosed by a six kilometer ancient wall, also wonderfully preserved. The wall is made of earth, brick and stone, and for a fee visitors can climb atop it for views of the city within and without.